PARODY Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'parody' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parody are burlesque , caricature , and travesty . While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work. // a witty parody of a popular novel

Q: Where would 'burlesque' be a reasonable alternative to 'parody'?

The words burlesque and parody are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment. // a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

Q: When is 'caricature' a more appropriate choice than 'parody'?

Although the words caricature and parody have much in common, caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject. // caricatures of politicians in cartoons

Q: When could 'travesty' be used to replace 'parody'?

The synonyms travesty and parody are sometimes interchangeable, but travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd. // this production is a travesty of the opera

parody 1 of 2

noun

ˈper-ə-dē

Definition of parody next

as in spoof

a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect the musical is a parody of every biblical epic ever made

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in joke

a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something the young man sported a feeble parody of a mustache in a vain attempt to make himself look older

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

parody

2 of 2

verb

as in to mock

to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of parodying a public figure's distinctive mannerisms takes particular talent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun parody differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parody are burlesque, caricature, and travesty. While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work.

a witty parody of a popular novel

Where would burlesque be a reasonable alternative to parody?

The words burlesque and parody are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment.

a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

When is caricature a more appropriate choice than parody?

Although the words caricature and parody have much in common, caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject.

caricatures of politicians in cartoons

When could travesty be used to replace parody?

The synonyms travesty and parody are sometimes interchangeable, but travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd.

this production is a travesty of the opera

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of parody

Noun

Listen to this article Loading your audio article Exactly 23 years after Enron filed for bankruptcy, a group claiming to have revived the company announced its return in an apparent parody. —

Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 2 Dec. 2024 The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody Experience a unique blend of seduction and sci-fi with this burlesque parody show set in a galaxy far, far away. —

Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024

Verb

Another creator parodied the TikToks of people blaming Younger for their kitchen woes, posing with a baking dish of uncooked pasta covered in flour. —

Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024 Cooper’s novels are easy to parody, yet Rivals never veers too far in that direction. —

Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parody

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parody

Noun

Viewers resistant to a landslide of scatological humor, however, may find the laughs pretty slim in this overlong, uninspired monster spoof.

Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
Adams doesn’t have a ton to do in Adam McKay’s hit-or-miss NASCAR spoof, other than one key scene where her long, silky mane and sensual speechifying convince superstar Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) to get behind the wheel again.

Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024